Rise in MSDs may be triggered by homeworking

There has been a rise in the number of economically inactive people reporting musculoskeletal problems or disabilities (MSDs) connected with their back or neck, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

These rose by 62,000 (31%), the second largest increase after “other conditions” — likely to include survey respondents with long Covid. The ONS says it is possible that increased homeworking since the pandemic has given rise to these kinds of chronic conditions.

Previous research suggests this may well be the case. A preliminary analysis of findings from a UK-wide survey of more than 3,000 office workers working from home during the Covid pandemic by researchers at the universities of Manchester and Stirling (see Labour Research, November 2022, pages 13-15) found 37% believed their physical health had worsened.

Workers reported that risk assessments, particularly those carried out under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (DSE Regulations), were less extensive for home environments.

In relation to MSDs, 42% reported more stiff shoulders, 41% stiff necks, and 24% more numbness in arms, wrists or hands.

The ONS figures show that overall, half a million more people are now out of the labour force (around 2.5 million between June and August 2022) because of long-term sickness than in 2019 (when there were around two million).